AP, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 15, 2010.  — Nearly 300 Air Force personnel from a South Carolina Air Force base are scheduled to deploy to Iraq.

Air Force Lt. Emily Chilson says the group scheduled to leave on Saturday from Shaw Air Force Base includes pilots, medical technicians, maintenance specialists and support personnel.
A farewell celebration for families and friends was slated prior to the men and women departing for a four-month stint overseas.

The airmen are members of the 55th Fighter Squadron, the 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and the 20th Component Maintenance and Equipment Maintenance Squadrons.

The units support the F-16 Flying Falcons that conduct air patrols protecting and supporting forces on the ground.